UK unveils brand new visa application centre in Bangkok

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Facilities upgraded as part of the UK’s biggest ever investment into its global visa application centre network.

The UK’s new and improved visa application centre in Bangkok has officially opened its doors today. The new centre in Bangkok is bigger with greater capacity to reduce waiting times for customers and make the start of the journey to the UK more comfortable.

New services include a passport pass-back service which enables customers to retain their passport whilst their visa is being processed.

Our successful 3-5 day priority visa service and a prime time appointment service, which allows customers to submit their application out of hours, will also continue.

The new visa application centre and premium services support the strong growth in the number of UK visas issued to Thai nationals. In 2013, we issued a record number of visas - almost 70,000 - to Thai customers, 17% more than the previous year. The growth is largely from those going to the UK as tourists and business visitors and for long term study.

The new visa application centre also marks the beginning of a renewed contract between the UK government and VFS Global who operates the centre on behalf of UK Visas & Immigration.

Paul Bute, Chargé d’Affaires, who opened the centre said:

The UK is open for business and these new contracts will allow us to maintain a world class, competitive visa system to support Britain.

This new visa application centre will provide improved services and facilities for the increasing number of Thais who are choosing the UK as a destination for travel, business and study. We look forward to welcoming them to our shores.

Last year 95% of Thais who applied for a UK visa got one. We aim to process non-settlement visas in 15 working days although we encourage customers to apply for their visa as early as possible. Applicants can apply up to 3 months in advance of travel.

The new visa application centre is at shared premises with the Australians and located at: The Trendy Office Building, 28th Floor, Sukhumbvit Soi 13, Klongtoey-Nua, Wattana, Bangkok.